YOU wouldn’t think Paul Burrell and Barry Manilow would have that much in common.

One’s a former Royal butler and occasional reality TV contestant, while the other’s a flamboyant showman who has sold 80 million records.

But recently they both separately took deep breaths and announced to the world that they were gay.

Perhaps they genuinely believed we would all be aghast with shock and outrage.

But here’s the thing, chaps – we all knew already.

And, refreshingly, no one really gives a monkeys.

Both of them decided the time was right to open up about their sexuality.

It wasn’t easy for Paul, who was Princess Diana’s closest confidante, to tell his two grown-up sons, while Barry found it really tough to share the news with his fans.

But they must now be hugely relieved.

They can finally be themselves, with no need to worry that their “secret” could be exposed.

You can’t live like that, and I feel sorry for anyone in the public eye who still feels unable to be open about who they fall in love with.

It was heartening that, despite their apprehension, both men have received overwhelming support.

The American megastar can finally step out in public with Garry Kief, the man who has been by his side for years, and proudly call him husband. True fans of the singer-songwriter are, of course, delighted for both of them.